The Vatican has released a statement revealing the cause of Pope Francis’ death. According to Professor Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Vatican City State Health and Hygiene Office, the Pope died on Monday morning due to a stroke caused by heart failure.
Other health issues contributed to his passing, including acute respiratory failure, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Earlier this year, Pope Francis spent five weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital recovering from a severe respiratory infection. He developed pneumonia in both lungs after testing positive for multiple bacterial infections.
Doctors treating the Pope said his condition became critical twice during his hospital stay. They considered stopping treatment but decided to continue, using all available medications and therapies despite the high risk of complications. Pope Francis was discharged on March 23 after showing steady improvement.
In the weeks leading to Easter, the Pope made several appearances. On Easter Sunday, he delivered a blessing to the faithful from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony. Hours later, the Vatican announced his death.
Cause of Death
The Vatican’s statement highlights the Pope’s underlying health conditions:
- Stroke caused by heart failure
- Acute respiratory failure
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
These factors combined to contribute to his passing. The Pope’s health had been a concern in recent months, with his hospitalization earlier this year raising worries among Catholics worldwide.
